New independent testing of a variety of American cereals by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) found high residue levels of the toxic weed killer glyphosate in multiple brands of popular children’s cereals. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup, is the single most widely-used herbicide in American history, used on farms that grow corn, soybeans, oats, and hundreds of other crops. From there, it can make its way into our food, especially popular cereals.

Glyphosate disrupts hormones, and studies have found that it can damage human cells, genes, and cause birth defects. The World Health Organization recently classified it as a “probable human carcinogen.” Research shows that its use is so widespread that it’s probably in most of our bodies. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that exposure to glyphosate residues in our food has increased four times over the past quarter-century, with children more likely to be exposed than adults – especially 1-2-year old’s.

“Our findings are particularly alarming for children, whose bodies are still developing, making them more vulnerable to these toxic chemicals than adults,” said Caroline Cox, Research Director at the Center for Environmental Health. “Enough is enough. We need to put children’s health before the rights of companies to profit off the sale of toxic chemicals.”

CEH tested a variety of oat cereals, most of which were found to contain high levels of glyphosate, including Quaker Oatmeal Squares, Honey Nut Cheerios, Great Value Os, and Kroger Toasted Oats. The organic cereals tested did not contain glyphosate. FDA tested four organic oatmeals with the same result. See the full list of cereals CEH tested and the results.

“Consumers should avoid this toxic chemical by buying organic cereals. That’s not an easy option for everyone,” continued Cox. “Organic alternatives need to be affordable and accessible to low-income communities and communities of color while we are fighting to end the use of dangerous toxic chemicals like glyphosate altogether.”

Despite the growing body of evidence suggesting glyphosate represents a significant threat to public health and the environment, especially to the farmers and farmworkers who use this toxic weed killer regularly, the EPA is poised to approve its widespread use for another 15 years. CEH is urging the EPA to end the use of this toxic chemical before it does more damage to human, animal, and planetary health.